Care and Disposition of Remains - Army Publishing Directorate ...

CAC that first learns of the death will see that the PADD is briefed on mortuary affairs benefits and provided with a
copy of the DD Form 1375. The CAC will advise the PADD that reimbursement may be requested by submitting a
completed DD Form 1375 with itemized bills attached to the CAC with jurisdiction for the place where the PADD is
located.
4–21. Preparation of remains
When an unusual delay has occurred in obtaining disposition instructions from the PADD and further delay will
prevent proper preservation of remains, the CAC will authorize immediate embalming of those remains.
4–22. Exhumation and re-interment
Once disposition of remains is completed at Government expense under expressed wishes of the PADD, later
disinterment or shipment of remains will not be arranged by nor paid for by the Army.
4–23. Primary care allowance
The primary care allowance authorized when the Army does not make arrangement for preparation of the remains may
include usual and customary services and supplies for the preparation and casketing of remains. Information provided
to the PADD concerning items for which they would be reimbursed will include the following as applicable.
a. If the place of death is covered by a mortuary service requirements contract (Army, Navy, or Air Force contract),
the lesser of the current maximum primary allowance or the cost the Government would incur under the contract. The
PADD will be advised of the specific reimbursable amount.
b. If the place of death is not covered by requirements contract, current maximum primary expense allowance or
actual cost, whichever is less, is the maximum amount allowable. Reimbursable primary expenses include cost of
removal, preservation of remains, casket, cremation, urn, and clothing.
4–24. Secondary care allowance
The secondary care allowance provides reimbursement for those expenses directly related to the funeral and interment
services. The secondary allowance also provides for reimbursement of memorial expenses for non-recoverable remains.
Items authorized for reimbursement are limited to the items in paragraph 1–13. Reimbursement for secondary interment
expenses may not exceed the current maximum authorized amount.
4–25. Transportation allowance
The transportation allowance provides reimbursement for expenses incurred to move the remains to the place designated
by the PADD. Items allowed for reimbursement under transportation are covered in table 1–3.
4–26. Obtaining disposition instructions from the PADD of other military services and uniformed
services personnel
See chapter 3 for instructions on how to obtain disposition instructions from the PADD of other military services and
uniformed service personnel.
4–27. Obtaining disposition instructions from the PADD of eligible civilian personnel
In general, the same steps for obtaining disposition instructions from the PADD of other deceased eligible personnel
will be followed. Mortuary benefits will vary for different categories of personnel as shown in table 2–1.
4–28. Notification of recovery, identification, and disposition of remains to remarried spouses
a. Remarried spouses will be notified of—
(1) The recovery of their former spouse’s remains;
(2) The identification of their former spouse’s remains; and
(3) The disposition of the remains of their former spouses as the information is provided to the CDR, PERSCOM,
(TAPC–PED–D).
b. Remarried spouses will be kept informed of all developments concerning the former spouse as follows:
(1) Upon the remarried spouse’s request, he or she will be kept informed of developments in their former spouse’s
case subject to maintaining a current address and phone number.
(2) Upon the remarried spouse’s request, he or she will be visited and briefed on the recovery and identification of
the remains.
(3) Upon the remarried spouse’s request, he or she will be given a copy of the identification case file.
(4) Without a request or knowledge of the PADD, reasonable efforts will be taken to locate and inform the
remarried spouse of the recovery and identification of the former spouse. If the remarried spouse’s address and phone
number are known, he or she will be notified.
AR 638–2 22 December 2000
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